Pastoral Visit of His Eminence Metropolitan John to Switzerland 8-11 November 2008 His Eminence Metropolitan John made his first pastoral visit to the Antiochian Orthodox parish in Geneva from 8 to 11 November 2008, accompanied by Archimandrates Athanasius Fahad and Gregorius Khoury. On Sunday 9 November, Archbishop John presided at divine liturgy at St. Paul’s Church at the Centre of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Chambésy. His Eminence Metropolitan Jeremiah of Switzerland, His Eminence Damaskinos, the retired Metropolitan of Switzerland, His Eminence Metropolitan Makarios, the Bishop of Lampsacus, His Excellency the Lebanese Ambassador and the Syrian and Lebanese Consul-Generals attended the divine liturgy. After the divine liturgy, His Eminence Metropolitan Jeremiah expressed his happiness at welcoming His Eminence Archbishop John to the Centre of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. In turn, Archbishop John expressed his special thanks for his fraternal kindness, mentioning the friendly relations which link the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Antiochian Patriarchate. He also thanked the officials attending, and delivered a pastoral and paternal sermon to the faithful of the parish. After divine liturgy, Archbishop John attended a reception which the parish held in Geneva, where he had the opportunity to speak to the people of the parish. The next day, His Eminence visited the World Council of Churches, where he spoke with the General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, about the possibilities of cooperation between the Archdiocese and the Council. He also had a meeting with Mr George Lemopoulos, the Deputy General Secretary, together with the Orthodox group which is working in the Council. He then went to the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey, where he had a meeting with its director, Father Dr Ioan Sauca. During these meetings the positive and emerging role of the Antiochian Church was dealt with, and also the various possibilities for cooperation. On Sunday evening, the members of the Geneva Parish Council organized an official dinner, at which His Excellency the Syrian Ambassador, His Excellency the Palestinian Ambassador and the Syrian and Lebanese Consul-Generals attended. During his short stay in Geneva, His Eminence Archbishop John made a number of pastoral and paternal visits. His Eminence left Geneva on 11 November 2008, returning to Paris once again, and will visit England and Ireland again for a new pastoral tour. Communications and Press office
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